Re: Memory fun

The second link you provided is for 16GB DIMMs, but you mention 4GB DIMMs. When installing the memory in this server you should install them alphabetically, instead of numerically. So the first 3 DIMMs for each CPU should be installed in A, B, and C not 1, 2, 3 which is how you currently have the 8GB DIMMs installed. Once you populate A, B, and C for each CPU you should add the other 4 DIMMs (4GB DIMMs, I guess) in slots D, E, F, and G.

Re: Memory fun

Just three 8G dimms on each side ABC works fine. The thing that makes things screwy is when 3 are on one channel. According to quickspecs there is a limit of 8 ranks per channel, so two of my 4Ranks+anything is a no go. But three of my 8G dimms should work.

Also: my 8G dimms are 1333MHz and the 4G are 1066Mhz, another reason why I keep the faster ones on the same channel.

The extra screwy thing is: when (3) 8's are on one channel, it doesn't recognize 16G on each side (32G total). I would expect it to not recognize that entire channel (24G per side 48 total). It's almost as if when there are (3) 8's in a channel, it then chooses to not recognize the other two channels.

Re: Memory fun

I looked at boards from Supermicro and Tyan, they have similar memory gotchas. You really have to read the memory configuration rules and use the memory configurator on HP's site to upgrade their servers.

Re: Memory fun

The mem config tool does not provide a solution for 80G that can utilize my already owned 4G dimms which is of course the goal. I still figured I would be good since there is nothing in the quickspecs that state my config as specified at the top should not work.

Re: Memory fun

The memory config guidelines for the 380 G6 are as shown below (not all of them, but the ones that are pertinent to this situation):

DIMM slots that are white should be populated firstIt is not required, but it is recommended to load the channels similarly if possibleYou can only have up to eight (8) ranks installed per channelYou can only install two quad-rank DIMMs per channelPopulate DIMMs from heaviest load (quad-rank) to lightest load (single-rank) within a channel

Starting with the first bullet......I believe slots A, B, and C are the white ones. Are you populating these first? You will want to install the same type of memory in each of these 3 slots.

I included the bullets regarding quad rank dimms, since you apparently have 4GB QR DIMMs.